HC Deb 26 April 1819 vol 39 c1478

Mr. T. Courtenay moved the second reading of this bill.

Mr. F. Lewis

objected to several parts of the bill. As it was now worded, it would be impossible to say to what class of persons parochial relief might be granted or refused. It ought to be divided into two bills, that the House might have an opportunity of discussing the two distinct measures that it involved.

Sir R. Wilson

objected to some of the clauses of the bill. The last clause made it imperative on the poor to subscribe to the funds of these societies, under the penalty of being refused parish relief, and being considered as improvident, extravagant, and undeserving persons. This would almost subject them to the penalties of the Vagrant act.

Mr. Courtenay

was sensible that the bill as it now stood was liable to objections; but he was persuaded that they might be remedied in the committee. The poor persons who refused to subscribe, were not subject to the penalties alluded to by the hon. general, but were to be considered as extravagant and improvident persons, in the sense of the act regarding the poor passed in the present session.

The bill was read a second time.